UN backs Gaza floating pier, emphasizes neutrality in humanitarian efforts

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN on Friday announced that it will support the floating pier off the Gazan coast, provided that the neutrality of humanitarian operations is respected.

"After months of discussions with all relevant authorities, the UN has agreed to support in receiving and arranging for the dispatch of aid into Gaza from the floating dock as long as it respects the neutrality and independence of humanitarian operations," deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters.

Emphasizing that the port could supplement the existing land routes to meet the "immense needs" in Gaza, Haq said, "It is not meant to replace any crossings."

Haq noted that the aid coming here would be entirely humanitarian, adding that the aid would be provided by "a number of countries and humanitarian organizations."

Recalling that the Rafah border crossing remains closed, Haq said that the security situation at the Kerem Shalom border crossing continues to hinder the distribution of humanitarian aid.

"Between May 6 and May 15, so a nine day period, you had 33 trucks, not 33 trucks a day but 33 trucks in all, carrying food that entered through Kerem Shalom. Then you had 121 trucks carrying food that entered through the Erez crossing, and then 156 trucks that were carrying flower were reported to arrive in northern Gaza through the Zikim crossing."

He also noted that fuel is still very limited.